Three Lancaster High School Student-Athletes Commit to NCAA Division 1 Schools

On Wednesday, November 11, three Lancaster High School student-athletes, Deon Barrett, Nate Morris, and Jacolby Pemberton all put pen to paper and committed to NCAA division-1 schools to continue their education and basketball careers during a signing day event.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

THREE LANCASTER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT-ATHLETES COMMIT TO NCAA DIVISION 1 SCHOOLS

LANCASTER, TEXAS/ LANCASTER ISD - On Wednesday, November 11, three Lancaster High School student-athletes, Deon Barrett, Nate Morris, and Jacolby Pemberton all put pen to paper and committed to NCAA division-1 schools to continue their education and basketball careers during a signing day event.

All three students are starting their senior season and are members of the reigning UIL 5A State Championship Boys Basketball Team.

Barrett, the starting point guard for the defending state champions, committed to the University of Texas at El Paso. After averaging 15.5 points and 6.8 assists per game, UTEP coaches made a trip during recruiting season to see him practice in person and offered him a scholarship right after work outs.

"That day I learned that you always have to keep working hard because you never know who’s watching you," Barrett said.

Morris, the starting 6’ 10" center for the Tigers, has been a top-ranked center since his sophomore year averaging 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks per game. His decision to commit to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) has made school history as the first Lancaster High School student-athlete to receive a full scholarship to the university.

"I plan on going to Ole Miss and making everyone that has helped me proud," Morris said. "I plan on getting a college degree and having a great college basketball career."

Pemberton, the team’s head captain and two-year starter, committed to Louisiana Tech University. His strong defensive presence on the court and leadership abilities captured the attention of several schools making his decision to attend Louisiana Tech one in which he has full confidence.

"LA Tech was the best choice for me because I can get a good education to prepare me for my future," Pemberton said. "Their style of play, getting up and down the court, fits me as a player."

Coming off the heels of a state championship win, head coach Ferrin Douglas is proud to showcase that hard work and discipline truly does pay off.

"Every day my coaching staff and I preach the importance of being a student first and athlete second. We’ve never had this many student athletes sign this early in the year," said Douglas. "That only happens when you are focused on your school work, test scores and being the best player you can be. They deserve this because they worked for it."

The signing day event is the perfect tip off to the upcoming basketball season for the Lancaster High School Tigers. Catch the team’s season opener against Houston Pro Vision Academy Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 7:30 PM at the Lancaster High School Tiger Coliseum.

The Lancaster Independent School District serves more than 7,000 pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students in 11 schools. Our vision is that all students achieve self-sustaining success and leave a lasting legacy. And our mission, in collaboration with parents and communities, is to ignite learning that translates into sustainable success for all students in an ever-changing society. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________